Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology

PROJECT PURPOSE

The XR-Integrated Curricula project is a multi-year initiative committed to building XR-Centric curriculum tracks across OSUIT?s technical program portfolio, thereby utilizing the immersive and interactive world of extended reality (XR) technology to do for applied laboratory-based instruction what online learning has done for theoretical lecture-based instruction. That is, to allow students and instructors to leverage XR training modules ? to include both commercially available platforms and those designed for OSUIT in partnership with external entities ? to assemble remotely in virtual lab spaces that have been customized with three-dimensional, interactive representations of all of the tools and equipment normally found in instructional labs on campus. The project?s goal is to produce high-caliber and proficient members of the workforce by using new technologies that empower students with the ability to absorb and retain instruction more effectively. Use of this alternative applied learning environment will significantly reduce the impacts of unexpected campus disruptions (e.g., pandemics, inclement weather closures) while maintaining the high-touch, hands-on experience students and industry partners have come to expect from OSUIT. The development of customized XR-Infused Curricula for industry workforce training will also cut down on productivity loss due to travel and downtime of mission-critical assets and equipment-related expenses during training.

EVIDENCE

Augmented and virtual reality (AVR) was first used by the aviation industry in flight simulations as early as the 1960s (Pantelidis, 2009). Studies show that VR stimulates learning and comprehension and can provide a foundation for conceptual and higher-order learning via the following mechanisms: VR provides new forms and methods of visualization; it motivates students by requiring interaction and encouraging active participation rather than passivity; VR allows the learner to process through an experience at their own pace not fixed by a regular class schedule; and, it transcends language barriers, providing equal opportunity for communication with students in other cultures.

POPULATION DESCRIPTION

The eight counties surrounding OSUIT have the lowest rate of employment in the state. This area of the state is predominately made up of small, under-served communities, with a population less than 10,000, many of whom are members of underrepresented populations. Oklahoma?s citizens will benefit through this project?s outreach to underrepresented groups (e.g., minorities, women, veterans) within these under-served rural communities. It is estimated that over 2,000 individuals in the surrounding communities will be directly impacted by this project, many of whom lack access to traditional online educational experience due to limited or the absence of internet services. Additionally, it is expected that educator and student outreach will be expanded in all rural communities throughout the state thereby providing significantly increased opportunities and capabilities for STEM-related knowledge, educational, and career pathway awareness and interest. In doing so, this project has the potential to make a significant impact on the workforce pipeline for growing the highly skilled, technically oriented industry segments serving Oklahoma?s high-growth industries, including Oklahoma?s aerospace & defense ecosystem. Other areas of the state, including metropolitan and urban communities, may receive the same benefit. However, the focus of this project is on Oklahoma?s rural, under-served communities.

PERFORMANCE MEASURING

Project performance would be measured by metrics such as: total number of XR modules purchased and/or developed for technical training; enrollment, retention, persistence and completion data for students enrolled in impacted programs; assessment of student learning via student performance and successful completion of applicable industry certifications; faculty and student feedback; and total number of XR-based workforce and industry training completions. Data collection would be coordinated by OSUIT?s Office of Institutional Research, and would include data collected via surveys, extracted from the institution?s student information system, and directly reported by OSUIT?s academic program areas and department of Workforce and Economic Development.

ONGOING INVESTMENT AMOUNT

$

ONGOING INVESTMENT DESCRIPTION

None

ONGOING INVESTMENT REQUIRED

Able to continue operation without additional funding from the State of Oklahoma